If ever there was a time for calming and uplifting synth riffs to ease the tensions of a world on edge, then it’s now, and so welcome back into the musical landscape the uniquely groove laden tunes of Stereolab! 2025 is fast shaping up to be the year of the reunion and although not strictly in that category (as they’ve never parted ways, just went on hiatus in 2010), new music from this lot after fifteen years is a much anticipated comeback.
A band that sound like they could exist in any decade from the retro lounge pop of the 60s to the explorative tomes of present day electro psych, Stereolab have always taken their cues from the ebb and flow and strict repetitive rhythms of the komische bands of the 70s and injected it with a hefty dose of jazz infused disco pop, to create a sound that’s as catchy as it is mesmerising, soothing yet dance inducing at the same time. Stick a Stereolab record on and you could be in a toe tapping, head nodding trance or in a full on hip wiggling, shape making whirlwind, the choice is yours, either way, you can’t deny their irresistibly cool electro-pop grooves are a joy to behold. Their first new album in fifteen years sees them rejuvenated in their quest to bring captivating synth pop to the masses, with hypnotic steady grooves drawing you into their intriguing electro world.
First up ‘Mystical Plosives’ is a neat blast of flickering synths and droney keyboard sounds, building up to ‘Aerial Troubles’ majestic keyboard and guitar riffs, which interweave with harmonious vocal lines. Laetitia Sadler’s vocals have an effortlessly melodic quality to them and coupled with the hypnotic synth riffs, create a kaleidoscopic space pop sound always with enough momentum to keep your ears thoroughly entertained. Far from lacking in substance though, on tracks like ‘’Melodie Is A Wound’ Laetitia’s lyrics add more weight to proceedings, “Is there some form of justice possible or so long, the public’s right to know the truth“ she sings, and elsewhere “the goal is to manipulate, heavy hands to intimidate”. It’s an inspired commentary on current affairs, delivered amidst a sea of catchy melodies, the synth and guitar riffs dancing around each other in a stew of free flowing, carefree vibes, which take off into an instrumental space jam, gradually increasing in speed with the repeated synth riffs ringing out underneath.
‘Immortal Hands’ has gentle synth riffs luring you into a sense of ease before a heavier disco orientated groove kicks in, which combined with the synth and flute melodies create a tune perfect for hazy summer days, whereas ‘Vermona F Transistor’ has a electro psych feel with hypnotic beats, brass section blasts and catchy melodies. ‘Esemplastic Creeping Eruption’ wins best song title on the album, and its name is matched by its equally imaginative pulsating synth lines and those multi layered harmonies in full flow, and elsewhere ‘If You Remember I Forgot How To Dream Pt. 2 ’ is awash with squelchy synth sounds and those gentle vocal melodies sailing over the top.
Stereolab are a band that thrive on impulse and creative sparks which emerge from free flowing jams and song writing straight to tape, rather than weeks of rehearsals before hitting the studio. The core of song writing duo Laetitia Sadler and Tim Gane were joined for the recordings by their touring band members Andy Ramsay, Joe Watson and Xavi Munoz with collaborations from Cooper Crain and Rob Frye (Bitchin Bajas), Ben LaMar Gay (International Anthem), Ric Elsworth, Holger Zapf (Cavern of Anti-Matter), Marie Merlet and Molly Hansen Read. “Always a beginner” is Tim Gane’s perspective on song writing, couple that with Laetitia Sadler stating “I see everything as a continuum with no determined sections, that bears no relation to what has come before or what will come after”, and both sentiments help to explain the timeless quality which exists on the new album.
Stereolab were always a band on a unique musical path compared to anything else around when they started in the 90s, and with ‘Instant Holograms On Metal Film ‘ they continue that beautifully inventive journey into 2025.
Stereolab: Instant Holograms On Metal – out 23rd May 2025 (Duophonic UHF Disks/Warp Records)
From the early days of creating handmade zines, in a DIY paper and glue style, interviewing bands around town, then pestering Piccadilly Records to sell them, to writing for various independent mags such as Chimp and Ablaze, writing about the music I love is still a great passion. After testing the music industry waters in London with stints at various labels, being back in my hometown again, writing about this city’s vibrant music scene is as exciting as ever. All time favourite bands include Sonic Youth, Nick Cave, Patti Smith although anything from electro to folk via blues and pysch rock will also do nicely too. A great album, is simply a great album, regardless of whatever musical cage you put it in.
